Background: Detailed IgE‐binding epitope analysis is a key requirement for the understanding and development of diagnostic and therapeutic agents to address foodallergies. Methods: We combined an IgE‐specific linear peptide microarray with random phage peptide display for the high‐resolution mapping of IgE‐binding epitopes of the major soybean allergen Gly m 4, which is a homologue to the birch pollen allergen Bet v1. Results: Three epitopes were identified and mapped to a resolution of four key amino acids, allowing the rational design and the production of three Gly m 4 mutants with the aim to abolish or reduce the binding of epitope‐specific IgE. In ELISA, the binding of the mutant allergens to polyclonal rabbit‐anti Gly m 4 serum as well as IgE purified from Gly m 4‐reactive soybean allergy patient sera was reduced by up to 63% compared to the wild‐type allergen. Basophil stimulation experiments using RBL‐SX38 cells loaded with patient IgE showed a decreased stimulation from 25% for the wild‐type Gly m 4 to 13% for one mutant. Conclusion: The presented approach demonstrates the feasibility of precise mapping of allergy‐related IgE‐binding epitopes, allowing the rational design of less allergenic mutants as potential therapeutic agents.

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FoodFood is any substance consumed to provide nutritional support for the body. It is usually of plant or animal origin, and contains essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, or minerals. The substance is ingested by an organism ...

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